Navy Region Northwest Clarifies Political Activities Guidelines
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080213-04
Release Date: 2/13/2008 11:52:00 AM
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Eric J. Harrison, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest
SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- The Navy Region Northwest Staff Judge Advocate released its guidelines and restrictions on political activities for military personnel and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians Feb. 8, just in time for the active and hotly contested election year.
As outlined in the memorandum, any activity that may be viewed as directly or indirectly associating DoD with partisan politics is prohibited.
According to Capt. Marty Evans, Region Legal Service Office Northwest, partisan political activity is limited to a bumper sticker on a private vehicle. However, the guidelines as set forth do not completely restrict personal opinions.
"One can express his or her personal political preference in a private conversation," said Evans. "Encouraging others to vote is not partisan activity, so no restrictions on that."
Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest, has directed the base commanders in the Northwest to prohibit putting political signs on the grounds.
According to the recently released memorandum, the following is a partial list of activities that are permissible for military members as private citizens.
- Register, vote, and express personal opinions on political candidates and issues;
- Make monetary contributions to a political organization;
- Write letters to the editor expressing personal views, as long as not part of an organized letter-writing campaign or concentrated solicitation of votes;
- Promote and encourage others to exercise their right to vote.
The following is a partial list of prohibited activities for military members on active duty in the Pacific Northwest:
- Participate in partisan political management, campaigns, or conventions speeches, articles, or TV/radio discussions;
- Conduct polls or distribute literature for a political party while in uniform, while acting in their official capacity, or while on a military installation;
- Wear military uniforms at political campaign or election events;
- Promote political fundraising events;
- Use government resources to further political activities, or act in a manner suggesting government involvement.
The memorandum also emphasizes that civilian employees must take care that their political participation does not create a real or apparent conflict of interest with the full and impartial performance of their official duties.
According to the memorandum, the following is a partial list of activities that are permissible for all civilian employees (with the exception of PAS and SES, CAB members, and all NSA, DIA and NGA employees):
- Participate in political organization activities, such as joining a political party; attending or participating in a political convention, caucus, or rally; and serving as a delegate to a political party convention;
- Take an active part in a political campaign, including displaying signs, stickers, and buttons (but not while on duty, in a government building, or using a government vehicle); circulating petitions; endorsing/opposing a candidate in an advertisement, broadcast, or campaign literature.
The following is a partial list of prohibited activities for civilian employees (with the same exceptions):
- Participating in certain political fundraising, including soliciting or receiving political contributions (even anonymously over the phone); allowing the use of official titles in connection with fundraising; and hosting/sponsoring a political fundraiser;
- Participating in permissible political activity while on duty, in a government office, or using a government vehicle. Examples include wearing or displaying campaign paraphernalia on your person or in your work space.
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.
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